Arthur P. Buck Buchanan, an old soldier goes home from Medical Center Hospital in Odessa, on Wednesday, February 8, 2012.

He was born November 30, 1922 to Claud P. and Nina Lewis Buchanan on the ranch at Tokio, west of Brownfield, Terry County, Texas, in a blizzard. Old Dr. Treadway didnt arrive until the next day on a horse with snow up to its belly. He was the seventh son and the youngest of eight children, surviving all by 24 years. Preceding him in death were: John, Eugene, Walter, and Charles, who all died in infancy, Claud Lee, Raymond, and one sister Marie Cook.

He grew up strong and industrious, knowing hard work in ranching, dairy farming at 4 AM to separate the cream and get it to the RR station in Brownfield, and later farming. He attended the Tokio elementary grades and graduated from Brownfield High School in 1940. He enrolled at Texas Tech but was drafted to WWII after 2 years. His sharpshooting skills from controlling West Texas coyotes and jack rabbits shortened his training at Camp Roberts, California to the South Pacific. His first battle experience was on New Guinea, 31st infantry, 124th regiment, 2nd battalion, company G, where he became sergeant. After freeing the Pilipino people on four islands, he arrived in Manila before McArthur made his infamous return. He was headed for Tokyo Bay when President Truman dropped the atomic bombs, saving his life, no doubt. Only in late life would he share heart rendering experiences for his great grandsons.

On discharge in 1946, he reentered Texas Tech for a Mechanical Engineer Major. A year later he married Sue Lampp in Lubbock where they made home for 25 years and where their son was born and grew up. In 64 years together the couple lived in Houston, Tyler, Phoenix, Escondido, Ca. and Odessa for 21 years.

At an early age, he began to walk with his Lord faithfully and was proud to be a Southern Baptist in all his churches, ending at First Baptist in Odessa with enthusiasm until his death and home going.

At an early age he fell in love with the automobile, becoming a dealer, and in retirement to restore antiques, which became his passion. He entertained his wife on the highways by being able to identify every make and model on the road

He is survived by his wife, Sue son, Ted and Sherilyn Buchanan of San Marcos, CA. two grandsons, John and Laura Buchanan of Selitz, OR. and Jeff Buchanan of So. Lake Tahoe, CA. three great grandsons, Blue and Brandan of So. Lake Tahoe and Kai Buchanan of Selitz, OR. two great granddaughters, Araya and Maya Buchanan of Selitz, OR. three nephews, Eddie Buchanan of No. Little Rock, AR. Don Buchanan of Gooding, ID., Cliff Buchanan of Fallon, NV one niece, Linda Hernandez of NV. many nephews, and nieces through marriage two sistersinlaw, one cousin, Jim Mize, of Baton Rough, LA.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, February 11, 2012 at First Baptist Church with Bryon McWilliams and Curtis Brewer officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of floral donations, the family suggests donations to First Baptist Church Building Fund, 701 N. Lee, Odessa, Texas, 79761.